Why study Molecular Cell Biology at UCL? The 4-year Molecular Cell Biology PhD Programme offers multidisciplinary training in molecular, cell and tissue biology. Students will gain expertise in experimental approaches including genetics, imaging and computational biology, working with LMCB researchers who are leaders in their fields.

Students will live and work in central London, with the highest concentration of biomedical research in the world.

The Molecular Cell Biology PhD Programme is your opportunity to receive world-class training and launch an exciting career as a cell biologist. Apply to join our pool of exceptional students.

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Year 1:
In the first year, students attend tutorial courses on many cell biology topics. Tutorials are designed to encourage active student participation and discussion in an informal atmosphere to give a broad understanding of various areas of molecular cell biology, including developmental biology, neurobiology, immunology, computational biology and the cell biology of disease. In parallel, students undertake three 12-week lab rotations. At the end of their third rotation, students choose a host lab for their PhD.

Years 2-4:
Years 2-4 are focussed on research. Students meet with their committees on an annual basis. 
Year 2 committee meetings. MPhil to PhD upgrade meeting. tudents meet with their committee to discuss progress with their project, as well as identifying further skills training.
Year 3 committee meeting. Review of progress and training needs, and initial discussion of post-PhD career plans.
Year 4 committee meeting. Discussion of thesis content and plans for thesis completion. Detailed discussion of post-PhD career plan. 

Step 1:
All students wishing to join the Molecular Cell Biology PhD Programme must apply via UCL's application portal. Applications for the September 2024 intake will be accepted until May 1, 2024. 

Step 2:
Students should indicate that they are able to self-fund in their UCL application. You can also look for funding opportunities using the UCL Scholarships Finder

Eligibility
We are looking for candidates with a keen interest in cell biology, coupled with an undergraduate degree in a relevant field (for example Life Sciences, Physics, Maths or Computer Science) at a minimum of upper second-class UK Bachelor’s level or overseas equivalent.